Yahoo has big plans to serve up original shows, just like Amazon, Hulu and Netflix, which have already invested serious money in original programming. In fact, the company just announced that it has two new comedies in the works, which are only the first ones in its brand new lineup of long-form shows. if you haven’t heard yet, this comes hot on the heels of Microsoft’s revelation that it’s also working on a dozen original titles for the Xbox.
Yahoo’s chief executive, Marissa Mayer, is about to dive into the shark tank of television-style original video. Ms. Mayer announced on Monday evening that Yahoo is commissioning two original TV-length comedy series that will be shown exclusively on its websites and mobile apps. Yahoo is also unveiling a partnership with Live Nation, the large concert promoter, to stream one concert live on Yahoo every day for a year. The moves plunge Yahoo directly into the increasingly competitive world of high-quality digital video. Technology companies like Amazon.com, Netflix, Google, Hulu and even Microsoft are challenging traditional producers of television content, such as HBO, AMC and the broadcast and cable networks, for fickle viewers.